The Irreverent Guide to the Appalachian Trail in Maine

08/03/2025

Here's something you won't see on the Appalachian Trail in Maine too often; a footbridge across unsafe and dangerous open waters, such as this one across Katahdin Stream in Baxter State Park today. Thankfully for me, and everyone else who comes here to enjoy the natural beauty of the Park, this section of Appalachian Trail is "accessible", because BSP puts the safety of the hikers first by building bridges as a top priority, unlike the Executive Committee of the Maine Appalachian Trail Club who have given top priority to building frivolous projects that lack common sense. And just like the flooded waters of Katahdin Stream, every other unbridged water crossing along the Appalachian Trail in Maine is flooded from the excess rain and meltoff the past few days, making any crossing dangerous and life threatening. You can do your part and contact Tom Gorrill at [email protected] and let him know hiker safety comes before "accessible" privies. Stay safe and safe travels.

08/03/2025

07/03/2025

Whoa!.....

06/03/2025

Listening to the rain on the skylights this morning, I knew I'd be walking by myself; especially when none of the dogs made a move for the door and my wife pulled up the covers on the bed to snuggle in more deeply. I love hiking in the rain! Rainy days always make me smile. The smells of Spring, the damp air and today's warm temperatures. I hadn't been to Borestone in awhile, so headed up that way, not expecting the icy conditions when I arrived. All went well for the climb up in the beginning, but the warming temps and steady rain began to soften the hard packed snow, now turning icy and slushy. Not wanting to be "that guy" who postholes his way to the top, thereby making a mess of the footpath, I looped back by way of the old road and still enjoyed a fine Spring-like walk.

06/03/2025

My thought for the day as I made my way up Borestone.....

06/03/2025

S**t happens, so best to be prepared in any situation because sooner or later we all face adverse weather conditions or serious injury. A bad situation ends well. Stay safe and safe travels.

06/03/2025

I remember the first time I saw one of the ADA compliant wheelchair accessible outhouses along the Appalachian Trail in Maine. My first thought was that it was a small cabin with a party deck or perhaps, it was a storage shed with a work area, but when I found out the actual purpose; to allow access for mobility impaired individuals arriving to remote wilderness areas by wheelchair, I was flabbergasted. I must say, the logistics and planning of such an enormous undertaking, for volunteers and paid crews alike, along with the additional costs to fund such an ambitious project is quite impressive. Read the article, or do as I did, by visiting the various sites and see for yourself, although the two sites on the Barren-Chairback range will require a great deal of difficulty to reach.

06/03/2025

Take a hike.....

05/03/2025

Nothing like a cozy fire to keep you warm.....

05/03/2025

I had guests who used their Garmin to reach me by texting when they needed to leave the 100 Mile Wilderness unexpectedly due to illness, injury or "just not my cup of tea". While I don't own one, I can see their value. Peace of mind for loved ones back home, as well. But, as always, there's the inexperienced and/or ill-prepared; putting the lives of rescuers at risk, thinking all I have to do is summon help in any situation....

There are more dangerous activities than rafting and skiing if Garmin data is to be believed

04/03/2025

With Spring around the corner, Sam Smith is styling the latest in hiker flotation fashion wear for crossing unsafe and dangerous open waters along the Appalachian Trail in Maine. As always....stay safe and safe travels.

03/03/2025

Whoa! Wish I knew this before I took up hiking......